PREMIER Will Hodgman is confident that the state’s relationship with China’s Fujian province will not be affected by its Governor being under investigation.
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The opposition, however, says the matter is a concern.
Media outlet AAP reported that Fujian Governor Su Shulin was suspected of ‘‘serious violations of discipline’’ and had been placed under investigation amid President Xi Jinping’s ongoing attack on government corruption at all levels.
The term ‘‘serious violations of discipline’’ usually applies to accusations of corruption and abuse of power.
Tasmania and the Fujian province entered into a sister state agreement in 1981 that has led to business and trade opportunities.
Opposition finance spokesman Scott Bacon said Tasmania had had a good relationship with the province, but the corruption investigation ‘‘is very concerning’’.
‘‘The Premier needs to keep Tasmanians informed about what it means for our relationship with Fujian and China generally,’’ Mr Bacon said.
Mr Hodgman said on Saturday that he was confident the relationship with the sister state would stand the test of time.
‘‘These matters involve an individual and will be dealt with appropriately by the authorities in China,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m confident the relationship we have with this province in China will not be impacted negatively.’’
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the council formed a partnership with Putian, a city inside the province, about six months ago, and he doubted that the investigation would have any effect on that.
A government spokesman also said on Saturday that a delegation from China would visit the state next year to further discuss strengthening trade ties and direct flights to China.
He said that with upgrades at Hobart Airport scheduled to start soon, ‘‘now is the perfect time to discuss new and improved air access’’.
‘‘As part of the trade missions to China this year, the government had a number of discussions about air links between China and Tasmania,’’ the spokesman said.
‘‘Discussions with several international air carriers regarding a direct link are actively progressing. Several route-specific business cases are in preparation.
‘‘While there is still a lot of work to do, the government is committed to improving both international and domestic air access to Tasmania.’’
